High Cost Of Not Having A Social Media Policy, Warn Solicitors

Companies that fail to implement a workplace social media policy risk losing large tranches of business when employees leave, warn Coles Miller Solicitors. The lawyers are holding a seminar - ‘Social Media, The Wild West Of Our Time’ - on February 6 to alert firms to the dangers.

The case involved three printing firm employees who resigned to set up a competing company. Whitmar claimed damages and sought an injunction restraining them from using confidential information obtained during their employment.

The High Court upheld Whitmar’s application for an injunction, pending a full trial of the issues.

Ms Cousineau said: “This is a landmark case which demonstrates that the courts are prepared to make decisions about social media and its implications in the workplace.

“The case represents judicial recognition that social media is a business asset worthy of protection and that – in limited circumstances – employers may have ownership rights over LinkedIn accounts established by their employees,” she added.

Mr Andrews and Ms Cousineau will both be speaking at the seminar. Also speaking will be TeamJobs Managing Director Jason Gault and Intergage Managing Director Paul Tansey.

Mr Tansey will outline the latest benefits offered by social media.

“Many businesses are still, understandably, adjusting to life in a socially connected world,” said Mr Tansey.

“The importance of social media in sales, customer service, employment, brand and reputation management cannot be overlooked by any modern business but it’s a constantly evolving world and it’s vital to keep up,” he added.

Coles Miller is a leading Dorset law firm with one of the largest commercial departments in the Bournemouth and Poole area.

Its services for business include company commercial and property work, planning, employment law and debt recovery.

The firm also has specialist teams dealing with the hotel and leisure and marine sectors.